a glimpse of God's grace II: Ghana :)

ghana. africa. here we go.

I'm going to share a little about my time in Ghana first, but then comes the pictures and stories behind them. ENJOY! 

Ghana was an adventure. It was sad, heartbreaking, eye-opening, humbling, joyous, wonderful, bittersweet, and more. I felt every emotion, and my heart longed to love every single person I met there. I prayed I could meet their needs in every way possible. I wanted to change their lives. I still wish I could snap my fingers and make their lives just like mine. That's when God started to reveal my own pride and selfishness. The kind humans I met in Africa were not interested in anything I "had". Instead, they wanted a relationship with Jesus that far surpassed any needs I could give to them. I think I needed to witness Ghana- the terrible conditions, sanitation, begging children, and needs of the people- to fully understand how the children and adults I met are pleased with their country, but even more pleased with all God has given them.

I met the kindest, sweetest people. The children's hearts were full of love, happiness, and joy. I wanted to bring every child I loved on home. I didn't want to say goodbye. HIV and AIDS were a very large part of the lives I came in contact with in Africa. Many children had HIV, and no method of treatment to prevent the progression of their disease to AIDS. Such a horrific disease in such a sweet, small body. It isn't fair. I had to remind myself daily that God was watching over their lives, and loved them more then I ever could. My heart was constantly longing to love the children just a little bit more, even if I had just met them. While I was in Ghana, God showed me how big this world is and how vast His love is. My trust was challenged, and I had to lean completely on God. I wasn't comfortable. At times, I wondered what I was doing across the ocean from home and my family. But every time I questioned myself, God quietly reminded me that this time in Ghana wasn't only about myself. I was there to meet the needs of the people, love on orphans, and shine Jesus' light through my actions. *sign of relief because that is a pretty sweet job if you ask me*

I traveled to Ghana through Acts 2 Collective, a nonprofit organization united to care for the most vulnerable, for the spread of the Gospel. If it is placed on your heart to learn more about this organization, become involved, or go - check out www.acts2collective.org! My team to Africa was a small, quaint group of seven people. But what a diverse group it was - from one who is moving to Ghana indefinitely, to two of whom are living there for three months, and finally to a mother and daughter going to meet the sweet girl they are in the process of adopting. Before this trip, I didn't know one person I was traveling across the country with for a few weeks. (side note- How cool was my mom to let me travel 15 hours in an airplane across the world, to a country in AFRICA that she didn't know anything about, with a group of people she'd never met? Don't get me wrong, she was worried. But she trusted in Jesus and knew I was safe in His hands.)

Back to the precious people I met in Ghana. Our team was able to experience two different "cultures"/cities while in Ghana- Asikuma and Cape Coast. At both of these locations, the Acts 2 Collective organization has planted a Mission Center. Asikuma's center was filled with orphans, from the age of 1 to 15, while the Cape Coast Mission Center held women being rescued out of sex-trafficking and men recovering from drug abuse. Both situations broke my heart. But then I was able to witness God's love and mercy. Although these children didn't know their biological parents, they were so loved by the staff at the centers' and even more loved by Jesus. I was overcome with joy upon realizing how truly happy these "orphans" were. The kiddos hugged, kissed, and loved on us. They showed us Jesus through the light they shined for Him. [It wasn't always pretty, clean, or near perfect. Their lives were dirty and corrupt. Children begged for money and water. Trash was thrown on the street. People went to the bathroom anywhere on the road. The air was hard to breathe in at times.] BUT see, these imperfections were made beautiful through the kind, generous, courageous people in Ghana. They loved. They lived. They laughed. And did all of those to the fullest. Most Ghanians didn't let their circumstances affect their happiness. They were truly happy, truly joyous, and truly compassionate in the beautiful part of the world God choose to place them in. 

I could go on and share stories and memories that are on my heart and special to me. But instead, I'm going to share a few pictures, because through them all can see the beautiful eyes, hands, and feet that are just like ours. Miles and miles across an ocean is a beautiful continent {Africa} with a beautiful country {Ghana} that I had the privilege to travel to. My mind was blown away by God's love for the nations & my heart was torn apart and put back together more beautiful. I'd love to share more about my time in Ghana with anyone that would like, but for now I'll bring a little joy to your heart through these pictures and stories. 

"God is so good"... on the door of a mud hut. How sweet is that?! 

The sweet kiddos of the mission center and local school! Everyone wanted pictures of themselves. Lots and lots of pictures :)

This is Madjawa. She is a precious little angel of only one year. Madjawa was found in a trash can at only a few days old, and won't be an orphan for much longer. Praise God that she's in the process of being adopted! {And no, sadly I'm not the one bringing her back to the US soon.}

Our team traveled to the slum areas of Cape Coast on one of our last days. It was heartbreaking to see the conditions and corruptness in these areas, but extra special that we got to love on the children for a bit :)

these two. THEIR HAIR. From the sweet faces to the pretty rad hair styles, I quickly fell in love with both of them.

The local fish market. This was such a unique experience.
[Quick little side story] - The Ghanians that traveled with our team told us before we came to the market about how child trafficking is extremely large in this area. Adults will kidnap the children walking around the water and force them to fish for them. In some cases, if the children don't cooperate or do a good job - they are thrown overboard and left in the sea to die. It was heavy and hard to take in. When I look at these pictures, I pray for the children in Ghana that are in these situations. Because praying is one of the only and most impactful things I can do. 

 At the mission center we stayed at in Cape Coast, the staff had their children living with them there. This was tons of fun for our team since we got to spend every morning and night with the kiddos. Lots of hugs and lots of love. It truly never got old :) 

The most beautiful little girl I met in Africa. Isn't she precious?

I came across math problems on the side of a hut in Asikuma. Witnessing what the children around Ghana were learning about in school was very interesting.

This pretty girl gave me a tour of her school, and loved every minute of showing me around. She even posed for a picture at her school desk :) 

Missy here adored having her pictures taken and then looking at them. She would pose differently every time, and was quite talented with her moves. She also LOVED the key I wore each day that she's holding in her hand. [Giving Keys - www.thegivingkeys.com go check their meaning out] 

She'd take it off my neck and try it in every door. Unfortunately, she didn't have much luck with that :)  

COME ON. just look at her. and those side buns. I need to learn how to do those. 

a precious face and a kind heart. Her eyes shined with joy and her heart was filled with love. 

I love this photo for three reasons:

1) HOLY CUTE. This boy had more faces up his sleeve then anyone I've ever met. His emotions were hilarious. I probably took 30 different pictures of his faces. He was enjoying a piece of bread in this shot :) 

 2) The lady behind him. She lives in the small mud hut behind her, along with about 20 children whom she cares for. This woman has leprosy and no toes. She cannot walk. It is with stories like this that I put my life into perspective and realize my problems are really not that big or important. Thank God for eternal joy and happiness in Heaven. "So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last." -Matthew 20:16 came straight to my mind when I met this lady.  

    3) The bagged water next to the little boy, because this screams Africa. I got used to biting off the side of a plastic water bag and drinking out of that for a few weeks. Different is fun I have learned :)

If you know my dad, you know he LOVES giving his hats to everyone. So naturally I had a pile of hats in my suitcase to Africa! I got the sweetest picture ever of these two twins- Princess and Priscella- sporting their new favorite hats. This photo was all for dad :)

 I fell completely in love with this girl. She had one of those hugs that squeezes you tight and makes you smile real big. I met her only for a few hours, but she is on my mind daily. Her smile and grin can light up this world. WOW, how I wish that little monkey could be in my arms right now. This was our last day in Ghana. God truly provided in so many ways. The uncomfort I felt at the beginning of the trip was completely taken away by the grace God shed on this trip. I know why I was sent to Ghana, and I can only pray that I showed God's love to everyone I met. What a wonderful life this is. Praise God for Ghana. Praise God for orphans. Praise God for grace and eternal life. Where I'll hopefully get to see all these beautiful faces again, and love on them even more then. :)

thanks for reading friends. 

p.s. Go to Africa if the opportunity ever arises. You won't regret it. 

peace and love. why is summer going so fast. 

lauren xoxo